Nandi East Sub County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Leonard Mgute has called on all parents, caregivers, and the society at large to be extra vigilant and monitor the activities that children engage in during this festive season.
Mgute, who was speaking during the 2023 Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Nandi Hills Stadium, advised parents to be close to their children, especially teenagers, to be able to guide them accordingly.
The administrator noted that during the festive holidays, most children are tempted to do illegal activities that, in the long run, ruin their lives, adding that this is the period when most teenage pregnancy cases are reported.
“During the festive season, children are tempted to engage in illegal activities like alcohol drinking and smoking, among others. It is at this time that minors go missing, are defiled, or are even killed in unclear circumstances. Parents and caregivers should ensure they protect children against such,” pointed Mgute.
The DCC further divulged that the most affected children are the girls who are lured into sexual activities if they are not closely monitored.
“Being the end of the year, children have completed one level of education, and they are likely to proceed to the next level in January. It will be shameful for some to go back to school with pregnancies, and even others will fail to go back to school,” stated the DCC, adding that most children are introduced to illegal drugs during festivities.
Mgute also applauded those residents who have played a role in combating illicit brews in their locality, saying that it is one of the ways of protecting the young generation, who are easily trapped into such brews.
He called on society to work with the security team to identify and report any illegal business within their surroundings.
“I want to thank those who have been working with our security team to identify those selling illegal brews. We want to have a society that cares about others welfare. Let us work together to save our society,” he said.
By Ruth Mainye
